Strengths: Nielsen is a master of positioning, with quick reflexes if he gets caught out. Kronberg, despite being sidelined for four to six weeks with a lower back injury, is a No. 1 waiting to happen, either with Sporting or elsewhere.

Weaknesses: If Nielsen goes down, Kronberg’s injury means that Kempin will be a teenager thrown into a position that rewards age and experience.

Wildcard: This is Kronberg’s last contract year, unless Sporting picks up his option. Will he look to make a move somewhere else with Nielsen signed through 2013?

Strengths: Sporting are deep and experienced at the defensive mid spot. Espinoza is still aggressive but playing smarter in the holding role. Zusi has emerged as a threat on free kicks and from just about anywhere from distance.

Weaknesses: With no true distributing midfielder, the passing game can break down in the middle third.

Wildcard: Nagamura will be expected to provide box-to-box depth, meaning he could slip into any of the midfield spots as either a sub or a starter. That puts pressure on him to connect quickly with the players around him.

Strengths: Sporting are loaded with quality at the center forward spot, meaning manager Peter Vermes can keep fresh legs in the attack. Convey is back at his natural spot on the left flank, happy to be there and motivated to prove that his old team was wrong to put him at left back. Kamara is dangerous both in wide areas and in the middle.

Weaknesses: Convey is the only true left winger. Vermes must find a way to keep all of his talented target forwards engaged, which might mean a good deal of lineup shuffling.

Wildcard: When he’s on, Bunbury has the ability to be both elegant and deadly. But when he isn’t, he struggles with first touches and creating space in the attacking third.